Top things to do this weekend, August 8-10

Thursday

Aug 7, 2014 at 12:01 AMAug 7, 2014 at 2:48 PM

Sorry, kids. Summer has to end. The weekend features a few back-to-school activities, and far fewer festivals than in weeks past. Two athletic events dominate, with 7,000+ bicyclists taking part in Pelotonia, and the Columbus Half-Marathon drawing its usual throngs. Drag racing enthusiasts can have fun in Hebron while concert lovers can enjoy music of every genre outside. Here are the best bets for the weekend.

The Columbus Dispatch

Sorry, kids. Summer has to end. The weekend features a few back-to-school activities, and far fewer festivals than in weeks past. Two athletic events dominate, with 7,000+ bicyclists taking part in Pelotonia, and the Columbus Half-Marathon drawing its usual throngs. Drag racing enthusiasts can have fun in Hebron while concert lovers can enjoy music of every genre outside.

Here are the best bets for the weekend.

ALL WEEKEND:

Scraps

The Coshocton Canal Quilters' annual show “A Celebration of Scraps,” will feature quilts with a scrappy appearance. The show will take place during the Coshocton Canal Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at The Presbyterian Church, 142 N. 4th St. Admission costs $5. Call 740-824-4632 or visit www.sewfarout.com

Latin flair

Experience music, cuisine and traditions from Latin America at Festival Latino, Ohio’s largest Latin festival. The event, in its 19th year, will take place Saturday and Sunday at Bicentennial Park. Details: www.festivallatino.net

Summer Music Series

Since 2012, the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra has made the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens its home away from home. With the illuminated John F. Wolfe Palm House as a backdrop, the orchestra performs its Summer Music Series concerts at twilight. Contact: 614-464-0066, www.promusicacolumbus.org Showtime: 8 tonight and Saturday and Sunday nights; children’s activities begin at 7 each night Admission is free.

One part drag racing, one part classic-car show, one part swap meet, Mopar Nationals offers a combination of events for car enthusiasts. Add in Hot Wheels car races for children and model-car contests, and the event becomes a family affair. Location: National Trail Raceway, 2650 National Rd SW, Hebron. Contact: 313-278-2240, www.moparnats.org Times: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Admission: $20 for one-day pass, $30 for two-day pass, $40 for three-day pass, children 10 and younger free with a paid adult admission.

Pelotonia

The bike ride — with distances of 25, 50, 75, 100, 155, and 180 miles to choose from — will raise money for the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Last year, almost 7,000 riders participated and raised more than $19 million for cancer research. Time: 7 a.m. for 100- and 180-mile rides, 7:30 a.m. at Pickerington High School for 75-mile ride, 8 a.m. for 25-and 50-mile rides. Registration: free for spectators. Contact: 614-221-6100, www.pelotonia.org

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FRIDAY:

Summer Fridays

Two members of the band Apple Bottom Gang — I.R. and Sweet D — will use a country twang to entertain visitors at the next Summer Fridays at the Statehouse concerts. The show will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Friday on the Statehouse grounds, E. Broad and S. High streets. Take a lunch or buy something from the food truck Pickled Swine. Admission is free. Call 614-728-2130 or visit www.ohiostatehouse.org

We're off

Ready to go off to see the wizard again? The ruler of Oz will be joined by Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow and the rest — on screen, anyway — at dusk Friday in Topiary Park, 480 E. Town St. The Wizard of Oz is part of the Gateway Film Center and Columbus Metropolitan Library’s family-oriented “From Book to Film” series. Admission is free. Call 614-247-4433 or visit www.gatewayfilmcenter.com

Carnival activities, an Ohio beer tasting, live music, children’s activities and a variety of tasty treats will be part of the annual Farmers’ Market & Family Fun Day. Ohio vendors and food trucks will participate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of the Hills Market, 7860 Olentangy River Rd. Admission is free. Call 614-846-3220 or visit www.thehillsmarket.com

The folks at Action for Children know that all workshops and no play can make for a dull day. So the central Ohio non-profit agency was thrilled to team up with COSI Columbus for an ABC Ready for School Fair, to be held Saturday at the science center. The event features workshops for parents of preschoolers, plenty of fun educational activities, and, as a bonus, it coincides with the popular Farm Days at COSI.Contact: 614-228-2674, www.cosi.org Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Sdmission: $12.95 to $17.95, or free for members.

All about Teddy

The Columbus Zoo will conduct its annual Teddy Bear Safari, featuring a clinic to help patch up a child’s favorite teddy (or other stuffed animal). Other bear-themed activities will be featured, as well. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; zoo hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission: $9.99 to $14.99, or free for any child age 2 to 9 who brings a stuffed animal and is accompanied by a paying adult, for all children younger than 2 and for members. Parking: $8. Contact: 614-645-3400, www.colszoo.org

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SUNDAY:

'Unforgettable’

Singer Johnny Steiner will return to his alma mater for a concert of Nat King Cole classics, including the title song, Route 66 and Mona Lisa. He will be accompanied by a piano-bass-drum trio and joined by other central Ohio performers, including the Vaud-Villities’ women’s chorus. Showtime: 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $15. Otterbein University, Cowan Hall. Contact: www.johnnysteiner.com

Clintonville Community Choir

The choir will take the stage at the Whetstone Park of Roses for a varied program encompassing works from The Battle Hymn of the Republic to Motown favorites. Showtime: 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission: free. Contact: www.clintonvillecommunitychoir.org

On Sunday night, the Westerville Symphony will fill the Alum Creek Park North Amphitheater with the “sounds of summer”— or the sounds of highlights from Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and Copland’s Four Dances From Rodeo. The concert is free. Details: www.westervillesymphony.org

Columbus Half Marathon

Considered to be Columbus’ oldest half-marathon, the race will also feature 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer distances. Time: 7 a.m. Sunday for half marathon and the 10K, 7:10 for the 5K, with registration beginning at 5:30. Registration: $50 for half marathon, $55 on race day; $40 for 10K, $45 on race day; $30 for 5k, $38 on race day. Three Creeks Metro Park, 3860 Bixby Rd., Groveport. Contact: 614-332-5205, www.ultrafit-usa.com

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